Vibration when towing up hills

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 14:44
ThreadID: 19760 Views:2147 Replies:4 FollowUps:4
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When towing my 1600kg caravan up a hill, which causes the rig to slow down, my Pajero NP diesel seems reluctant to automatically kick down to a lower gear. When and if it does (or if I kick down myself) it seems to struggle for power and the car vibrates. The vibration stops when the vehicle returns to normal speed.

This is the first time towing that I have experienced this. In fact I have always been impressed with the diesel's ability to hold on or accelerate under these conditions.

My dealer says he feels I may have a fuel starvation issue under load. However they reckon they will not be able to recreate the problem if it related to towing under load. Unless the computer has picked up something I guess resolving the problem will be difficult.

I have not had problems (yet) driving around town or on non towing trips.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? or has any suggestions as to the cause?

Rick

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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:18

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:18
I had an issue with my GQ auto under load, it was almost like in a manual when the revs drop well below what they should be for that speed, and the car chugs as you keep the slipper into it..

Was told all sorts of things like torque converter to complete box rebuild.
Ended up being the TP throttle position senor thingy or similar, that and a box service and it was fine.

I went to KB Autos in Berwick Vic, they sorted it easily and quickly.
AnswerID: 94844

Follow Up By: Rick - Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:41

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:41
Truckster
Thanks - I'll point this out to them at the next service

Cheers
Rick
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FollowupID: 353715

Reply By: Member - John M (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:30

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:30
Hi Rick,
Without being insulting (best word I could think of) how long since you change the air filter and fuel filter. A tune-up on the fuel pump and tuned down to have more power in the lower range. It will probally cost a little in fuel BUT hill work will improve like a dream, it did for myself. Oh! and my auto gearbox needed an adjustment on the bands. Hope you accept this in the spirit it is ment.
Best Regards JOHN
AnswerID: 94845

Follow Up By: Rick - Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:38

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:38
John
No 'insult' taken. I should have mentioned that the Pajero is new - 11500 kms. So the mechanicals should be ok - unless something needs adjusting because it is new.
Had the interim oil change done at 7500kms. Next service 15000 k's.

Rick
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FollowupID: 353714

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Jan 26, 2005 at 21:26

Wednesday, Jan 26, 2005 at 21:26
Pajero is new - 11500 kms.

then take it back to the dealer....
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FollowupID: 353865

Reply By: Kiwi Ray - Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:48

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 16:48
Hi Rick
Try driving the auto as a manual and keep the engine in the torque band and see how that runs for you
Ray
AnswerID: 94850

Follow Up By: awill4x4 - Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 19:10

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 19:10
I'm with you Ray, my guess is the car has fallen to far in the revs and the turbo is struggling to get into its boost range. Just driving the vehicle and changing down manually before the engine starts to lug will make a mile of difference I suspect.
Regards Andrew.
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FollowupID: 353743

Reply By: Member - Rob J (WA) - Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 21:22

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2005 at 21:22
I have had a lot of experience towing vans, first started in 1969, towed a 16ft van from near Merredin in WA to Geraldton and return with a 6 cylinder Land Rover,
what a heap.
The only auto I towed with was an XE fairmont and was advised by my mechanic to drive it like a manuel and don't drive in D keep the revs up and don't worry about fuel consumption and you won't have any bother.
The last trip, we towed a 17ft full height Coromal van from Perth to Cairns and back with a manual 3.4 petro Prado, never in 5th, and worked on 5km/L, costly I know but fuel is cheeper than transmissions.
AnswerID: 94886

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